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The dismal lyrics of ‘Only One of the Toys’ suggest that the soldier in question is merely a toy with no
authority. He eventually dies on the battlefield, fulfilling the destiny he predicted
to his son before leaving for war. Despite its gloomy subject, this 1914 song
was surprisingly popular in its day.

Comes a message o’er the ocean
A message to our sunny land
England calls Australia’s soldiers
We must answer her command
If England wants a hand, well, here it is…

The lyrics of this rousing, patriotic ballad were written
by one of Australia’s most popular vaudeville (music hall) performers, with
music by a noted Sydney songwriter. 'If England Wants a Hand, Well, Here It Is'
was used on the soundtrack of the 1981 Australian feature film
Gallipoli.